Budget Situation ‘Tragic’ Says Prosecutor Kym Worthy

DETROIT (WWJ) – The budget crisis at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office has gone from bad to worse.

That the latest word from Kym Worthy, who says her department continues to face devastating times during a transition period in the city of Detroit, as new leadership takes the reins of the Motor City after its recent filing for bankruptcy.

As her office continues to face massive budget cuts, Worthy faces the tough task of coming up with a solution to alleviate crime in one of the most dangerous cities in America.

Worthy referred to the situation in her office as “tragic” when discussing the number of employees she has lost in recent months, and

“We are down 76 people, over 65 of them are lawyers,” Worthy said. “It’s getting worse and worse by the day and we are doing the best we can.”

With eyes around the country on the poverty and crime stricken area, Worthy continues to face questions on how her office is going to handle the financial ordeal.

“My colleagues around the country are wondering how we are going to stay afloat,” Worthy said.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano stated last year when the cuts began, that they were necessary for the cash-strapped county — after Worthy said he promised not to cut her budget.

Ficano said that things are tight throughout the county. As a result of these cuts, Worthy said, several cases have been dismissed or delayed.

With her office continuing to be understaffed and overworked, Worthy holds out hope that things with get better as she continues to stay positive on the issues facing Wayne County.

“With a lot of prayer, we’re hoping that someone isn’t killed that shouldn’t be and we can get to these warrants on time,” Worthy said.

Worthy does seem pretty optimistic about collaborating with new Mayor Mike Duggan and his office. With many issues plaguing the city, Worthy’s main concern is the issue of crime.

Speaking with WWJ’s Vickie Thomas, Worthy said she looks forward to working with the Duggan administration.

“I am happy to have collaboration on the crime issue,” Worthy said. “That is the issue that I am most concerned about right now.”

“All the other issues are critically important as well as a Detroit resident,” Worthy said. “But I want a leader who is going to collaborative on the crime issue, and I think we have one.”